All across the NRL there are star players who win games for their teams and give their fans highlight moments to enjoy. Some sides are littered with star power with multiple players capable of stepping up in the important moments. But some sides have one go to guy who is so influential that if they are missing from the side due to suspension or injury the whole team suffers. Here are the top 5 most important players to their team currently in the NRL.

1. Kalyn Ponga

When the Knights have Kalyn Ponga in their side they look like they can score points against even the most organised defensive side. Ponga’s ability to run with the ball instantly turns the Knights from wooden spoon contenders into top eight hopefuls. The run of form he showed towards the end of 2024 which lifted the Knigths into the finals was mesmerising. There is no one else that is close to matching Ponga’s level of importance to the Knights.

2. Mitchell Moses

The way the Eels started this year it seemed that there was no possibility of turning their fortunes around. Questions were beginning to emerge about Jason Ryle’s credentials and the side looked void of leadership without Clint Gutherson and an injured Mitchell Moses. But his performance against the Tigers on Easter Monday showed just how good a player he is. Moses return saw him control the game like only the elite playmakers are capable of doing. After a lengthy lay off, Moses returned and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat, he wouldn’t be out of place in an NSW jersey. But for the Eels we have seen that they are two completely different teams when he is in or out of the side.

3. James Tedesco

For all the struggles and challenges the Roosters have experienced this year so far, James Tedesco has stood above it all letting his footy do the talking. We all know about how the Roosters lost an extraordinary amount of experience in the offseason, but Tedesco has continued to lead the side admirably. There is arguably no more important captain to a side in the 2025 season with his experience, knowledge and consistency enabling the Roosters to punch above their weight on multiple occasions this season. If Tedesco were to go down injured then the Roosters would have to be considered underdogs in every game for the rest of the season.

4. Latrell Mitchell

Latrell Mitchell has been an x-factor player his whole career. His highlight package is longer than most, but increasingly it has been his ability to deliver in big games that makes him so important to the Rabbitohs. With the return of Wayne Bennett it appears that that Latrell is back on top of his fitness and is ready to decimate the opposition. Whether he is in the centres, halves or fullback his influence over the game is second to none and the Rabbitohs struggle to fill the void when he is absent from the side.

5. Payne Haas

Perhaps Payne Haas is not the type of name you would consider for a list like this, but when Payne Haas is missing from the Broncos it is so noticeable. The massive front rower is a unicorn in the game and is able to make huge metres, break tackles, complete offloads and play for big minutes all without being a liability defensively. He has a strong forward pack around him but there is no doubt that when they need a crash play to get over the line or a quick play the ball on tackle 4 the Broncos turn to Payne Haas. Simply, he is irreplaceable and the benefit Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt get from playing behind a forward like him is immeasurable.